UAE
Modern Luxury. Desert Heritage. A City Built From a Vision.
Where the world's tallest tower rises from a desert that was empty fifty years ago, and where traditional souks and dhow-filled creeks survive in the shadow of the most ambitious skyline on earth.
Planning your research? Read our UAE travel guide →
Why Visit UAE?
What makes UAE unforgettable.
The World's Most Ambitious City
Dubai did not exist as a modern city fifty years ago. What stands today — the Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, the Dubai Mall, the Museum of the Future — was built within a single generation from what was a small pearl-diving and trading settlement on a desert creek. That ambition is visible everywhere and is itself part of the experience. No other city on earth has transformed so completely so quickly.
Luxury Without Compromise
The UAE has established itself as the global benchmark for luxury hospitality. The Burj Al Arab set the standard when it opened in 1999 and the country has been competing with itself ever since. Desert resorts, Palm Jumeirah beach hotels, and the ultra-luxury properties of Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island offer levels of service and physical environment that are genuinely difficult to match anywhere in the world.
Two Cities, Two Characters
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are forty minutes apart by road and feel like different countries. Dubai is commercial, kinetic, and unapologetically spectacular. Abu Dhabi is the capital — more considered in its pace, home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island, whose theme parks (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld) make it one of the region's premier family and entertainment destinations.
Desert and Heritage Within the City
The UAE's identity is not only about what was built — it is equally about what was preserved. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Dubai is a carefully restored wind-tower district that predates the oil era. The Dubai Creek dhow wharfage still operates as a working trading port. And an hour from either city in any direction, the desert — red dunes, camel tracks, and Bedouin culture — is as present as it has always been.
Must-Visit Places
Where to go in UAE.
Burj Khalifa & Downtown Dubai
At 828 metres, the Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure ever built. The observation decks on floors 124 and 148 offer views that on clear days extend to the curvature of the earth. At its base, the Dubai Fountain performs every evening over the Dubai Mall lake. Book the sunrise slot online well in advance — it sells out consistently.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
One of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Its main prayer hall contains the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and one of the world's largest chandeliers. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome and entry is free — book your free access pass online before arrival via the official SZGMC portal. On Fridays the mosque operates split visiting hours with a closure from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM for Jumu'ah prayers.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's premier entertainment destination, home to Ferrari World (the world's largest indoor theme park and home to Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster), Warner Bros. World (an immersive entertainment park across six themed worlds), and Yas Waterworld (one of the region's finest water parks). All three parks are fully operational year-round. Yas Island also hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, which offers guided track tours year-round for motorsport enthusiasts.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood & Dubai Creek
The Al Fahidi district preserves the wind-tower architecture of pre-oil Dubai. The district houses the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. A short walk leads to the Dubai Creek, where traditional abra water taxis still ferry passengers between the Deira and Bur Dubai banks, and where dhow boats loaded with goods still depart from the wharfage.
The Desert & Dune Safari
An hour from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the red sand dunes of the desert offer a counterpoint to the city that most visitors don't anticipate needing and find they can't do without. A dune safari — typically combining dune driving, camel riding, a Bedouin camp dinner, and stargazing — grounds the UAE experience in the desert culture that preceded and still underlies everything the cities have become.
Experiences to Remember
What you'll love about UAE.
Dubai Fountain
Watching the Dubai Fountain perform against the illuminated Burj Khalifa at night
Burj Khalifa Sunrise
Standing on the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa at sunrise as the city appears below the clouds
Creek Abra
Crossing Dubai Creek on a traditional abra water taxi between the old spice and gold souks
Grand Mosque Sunset
Experiencing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset as the marble turns gold
Desert Camp
Spending a night in a desert camp under the stars of the Empty Quarter
Yas Island
A full day on Yas Island — Formula Rossa at Ferrari World and the Warner Bros. themed worlds
Sample Journey
A week in UAE.
Here's how ARTA might structure your UAE experience — every itinerary is personalised to your interests.
- 1
Day 1–2: Dubai
Burj Khalifa at sunrise, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain at night.
- 2
Day 3: Old Dubai
Al Fahidi neighbourhood, Dubai Museum, Creek abra crossing, Gold Souk, Spice Souk.
- 3
Day 4: Desert Safari
Afternoon dune drive, camel ride, Bedouin camp dinner, overnight under the stars.
- 4
Day 5: Abu Dhabi
Transfer to Abu Dhabi — Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset. Check in to Yas Island hotel.
- 5
Day 6: Yas Island
Yas Island morning — Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World. Afternoon: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island.
- 6
Day 7: Departure
Return to Dubai. Palm Jumeirah monorail and views. Departure from Dubai International Airport.
Why Travel with ARTA
Your UAE journey, in expert hands.
Personalized Planning
Every journey is designed around your preferences, timeline, and budget — not a template.
Expert Local Knowledge
Our advisors have first-hand knowledge of every destination we serve.
Complete Arrangements
Flights, hotels, transfers, activities, and visas — handled end-to-end.
Support Throughout
We're available before, during, and after your trip. You're never on your own.